Moments to remember in 2023

[Martyn Sadler]

Every year in League Express we look back at the season just gone and pick out the 50 most significant and memorable moments we’ll all remember, whether they are triumphs or tragedies, great matches or momentous events.

They may be things that happened on the field, or they may be things that happened off it.

For example, in 2022 we listed the decision to award the intended 2025 World Cup to France as the most significant moment of the year. In 2023 the decision of France to withdraw from holding the competition will no doubt feature highly on this year's list.

For the purposes of this feature, we use the following definitions: “Significant: important, large, or great, especially in leading to a different result or to an important change.”

“Memorable: worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.”

If you have a top five of such moments, I would be glad to read it.

[Gerrumonside ref]

There’s a thread quite like this on the forum that might have what you’re looking for.

[Martyn Sadler]

Not just the best bits.

[Gerrumonside ref]

Okay, just thought this might be duplication 

[Harry Stottle]

4 hours ago, Martyn Sadler said:

Not just the best bits.

You would think me being a Leigh fan I would say the most significant moment for me would be Lacchy Lam putting over the one pointer in Golden Point time at Wembley.

 But that is not my choice, for me who has had a connection with this sport for 60 years and therefore want to see it carry on in its entirety but sorry to say I am very concerned for its future, so the most significant part of this past season is the influence of IMG on the game along with the apparent lack of any understanding by Tony Sutton and his group as to what the consequences of this system will eventuate in for the sport, and it won't be good.

So like your highlight of '22 with France being awarded the '25 WC only for it come crashing down less than 12 months later, I hope that the same fate will befall IMG in '24 and like the '25 WC they will be consigned to history.

[Dunbar]

My top 5 moments, some good, some bad.  Of course, all from my own perspective:

1.  The season kicking off with an against all expectations win for Saints in the World Club Challenge away from home at Penrith.

2.  Leigh winning the Challenge Cup final in golden point, capping such a successful year for Leigh after returning to the top division.

3.  London Broncos being promoted back into Super League after a remarkable run of form in the second half of the season and a fightback from 14-4 down against Toulouse.

4.  The first time we have seen a 3 match test series against a Pacific Nation when England played Tonga - showing the opportunity that the increased strength of the international game has for showcasing the sport.

5.  And just as quickly that opportunity starts to fade away with Samoa deciding to turn down the opportunity to tour in 2024.

Edited November 16, 2023 by Dunbar

[Martyn Sadler]

1 hour ago, Dunbar said:

My top 5 moments, some good, some bad.  Of course, all from my own perspective:

1.  The season kicking off with an against all expectations win for Saints in the World Club Challenge away from home at Penrith.

2.  Leigh winning the Challenge Cup final in golden point, capping such a successful year for Leigh after returning to the top division.

3.  London Broncos being promoted back into Super League after a remarkable run of form in the second half of the season and a fightback from 14-4 down against Toulouse.

4.  The first time we have seen a 3 match test series against a Pacific Nation when England played Tonga - showing the opportunity that the increased strength of the international game has for showcasing the sport.

5.  And just as quickly that opportunity starts fades away with Samoa deciding to turn down the opportunity to tour in 2024.

Thanks.

All of them definitely top ten material.

[Martyn Sadler]

17 hours ago, Harry Stottle said:

You would think me being a Leigh fan I would say the most significant moment for me would be Lacchy Lam putting over the one pointer in Golden Point time at Wembley.

 But that is not my choice, for me who has had a connection with this sport for 60 years and therefore want to see it carry on in its entirety but sorry to say I am very concerned for its future, so the most significant part of this past season is the influence of IMG on the game along with the apparent lack of any understanding by Tony Sutton and his group as to what the consequences of this system will eventuate in for the sport, and it won't be good.

So like your highlight of '22 with France being awarded the '25 WC only for it come crashing down less than 12 months later, I hope that the same fate will befall IMG in '24 and like the '25 WC they will be consigned to history.

I'm beginning to have very similar doubts about the impact of IMG on our sport.

[Dunbar]

I would also add Sam Tomkins' last-minute try sending Catalans Dragons to Old Trafford and the exit of both Tomkins and James Roby from the English game after amazing careers.

I would add that and take out the Samoa not touring as I always prefer to look at the positives over negatives.

[Harry Stottle]

1 hour ago, Martyn Sadler said:

I'm beginning to have very similar doubts about the impact of IMG on our sport.

As stones keep getting upturned we see more frailties in this system.

Please answer a question that is going on in another thread Martyn, to the best of your knowledge was it known that IMG were to receive £450K a year? Or was the consensus that IMG received a percentage of any future profits arising from their input?

Thanks in advance.

[Martyn Sadler]

3 hours ago, Dunbar said:

I would also add Sam Tomkins' last-minute try sending Catalans Dragons to Old Trafford and the exit of both Tomkins and James Roby from the English game after amazing careers.

I would add that and take out the Samoa not touring as I always prefer to look at the positives over negatives.

Major stories can be positive or negative, although I appreciate your sentiments.

[Martyn Sadler]

2 hours ago, Harry Stottle said:

As stones keep getting upturned we see more frailties in this system.

Please answer a question that is going on in another thread Martyn, to the best of your knowledge was it known that IMG were to receive £450K a year? Or was the consensus that IMG received a percentage of any future profits arising from their input?

Thanks in advance.

No, that has only recently come to my attention.

I'm trying to clarify it.

It's no doubt one of many things in the RFL-IMG contract that only very few people knew about.

Which is the thread in which this is being discussed?

On a quick scan I can't see it.

[Barley Mow]

4 minutes ago, Martyn Sadler said:

No, that has only recently come to my attention.

I'm trying to clarify it.

It's no doubt one of many things in the RFL-IMG contract that only very few people knew about.

Which is the thread in which this is being discussed?

On a quick scan I can't see it.

The London Broncos 2024 thread.

[Hopie]

Difficult to tell looking back so close to the events, but in a few years time we may look back on this year as the start of a huge decline of the game in this country.

On the domestic scene, the introduction of grading combined with reduced funding for lower leagues may kill off several clubs.

On the international scene, the loss of the French world cup and NRL effectively taking over the top of the international game may see England excluded/sidelined to an occasional participant at the convenience of others.

Hopefully it will also be the year when wheelchair internationals became a regular televised arena based sport.

[Londonbornirishbred]

1. Leigh Leopards winning the Challenge cup and finishing in the Play Offs.. Like him or loathe him, Deck-boy Derek has gone all in at the club and is deserving of his clubs success. Not many promoted sides achieve so much in their first year up, but from the off, they looked like they were in it to win it and not just survive.

2. London Broncos (my side) gaining promotion against pretty stacked odds. A bunch of Cockney and southerners, glued together by a reluctant coach and few imports. Amazing! COYB!

3 IMG's announcement regarding gradings meaning London are assured of relegation next year regardless. (sigh). I see the need for the return of licencing if the game is to commercially find its feet, but it hurts all the same. I suspect a few Keighley fans will consider this payback for the shenanigans close on 3 decades ago. 

4. St Helens turning over Penrith (in some style). As a resident of New Zealand, sticking one on the chain rattlers is always good, but that was an epic performance 9that I suspect Wigan will feel the backlash from next year)

5. The NZ Warriors entire season. What a revelation they have been this season. From a 13k average in 2022 to nearly 23k in 2023 is an incredible feat. The sponsor/co name company "ONE" have thrown their weight behind the club and as a result they became the #1 supported sports club brand in New Zealand. No easy achievement in the Union driven country, but we've seen a direct impact in our local set up down here in Wellington with more kids giving league a go! 4th on the table was a great result and I expect more of he same next season. UP THE WAHS!

 

[Coggo]

Moments….The cross-field kick by Harry Smith for Harry Newman in the 3rd Tonga test and the pass by Jack Welsby for Tom Johnstone in the 1st Test.

The expansiveness and execution of England was impressive (and a stark contrast to a certain other international ‘rugby’ that was essentially an exhibition of throw-ins).

Other memorable moments: 

New Zealand’s towelling of Australia in the Pacific Cup final

The stupendous comeback by Penrith against Brisbane in the NRL grand final

St Helens deservedly defeating Penrith in the WCC (when it looked like they had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory).

The din made by Hull KR fans in the South Stand during their tremendous Cup semi-final win over Wigan at Headingley.

[Whippet13]

Agree with all the above and will add Darryl Powell in the glass box.

[Tommygilf]

The worst (non covid) all English Challenge Cup final attendance at Wembley since 1946 is a pretty big talking point from 2023.

Pretty significant for a Cup competition that appears to have its future format very much up for discussion.

[Mojo]

23 hours ago, Dunbar said:

My top 5 moments, some good, some bad.  Of course, all from my own perspective:

1.  The season kicking off with an against all expectations win for Saints in the World Club Challenge away from home at Penrith.

2.  Leigh winning the Challenge Cup final in golden point, capping such a successful year for Leigh after returning to the top division.

3.  London Broncos being promoted back into Super League after a remarkable run of form in the second half of the season and a fightback from 14-4 down against Toulouse.

4.  The first time we have seen a 3 match test series against a Pacific Nation when England played Tonga - showing the opportunity that the increased strength of the international game has for showcasing the sport.

5.  And just as quickly that opportunity starts to fade away with Samoa deciding to turn down the opportunity to tour in 2024.

No mention of the Panthers 3 peat? First time since the 60s I think

[Kirmonds pouch]

As a Trinity fan

NONE!

Well maybe Daggers winning drop goal, gave us hope for a few weeks.

 

[phiggins]

1 hour ago, Tommygilf said:

The worst (non covid) all English Challenge Cup final attendance at Wembley since 1946 is a pretty big talking point from 2023.

Pretty significant for a Cup competition that appears to have its future format very much up for discussion.

If only we could find somebody that considers themselves to be a global sports and culture company that lists events as a specialism to help market the event

[Tommygilf]

Just now, phiggins said:

If only we could find somebody that considers themselves to be a global sports and culture company that lists events as a specialism to help market the event

Absolutely, got a massive job to do

[Dunbar]

2 hours ago, Mojo said:

No mention of the Panthers 3 peat? First time since the 60s I think

As I explained in the post, these are the most significant and memorable from my perspective.

I enjoy watching the NRL but I don't care who wins it.

[Damien]

3 hours ago, Mojo said:

No mention of the Panthers 3 peat? First time since the 60s I think

I don't think stuff like that is memorable at all. Even in SL if things like that happened then I don't think of it as memorable. It's just another team winning a final really. 

[Zilla Budgie]

4 hours ago, Tommygilf said:

The worst (non covid) all English Challenge Cup final attendance at Wembley since 1946 is a pretty big talking point from 2023.

Pretty significant for a Cup competition that appears to have its future format very much up for discussion.

Not really, the attendance was over 7K more than last years final that was at a better/newer stadium and included Wigan. So it's not even a talking point, never mind a big one. Warrington v Saints at Wembley in 2018 only had a crowd of 62K, compared to this years 58K.

 

Edited November 17, 2023 by Zilla Budgie